"Brief Moments"...

Here's another from my series of Paul V, from Madison County.
I was honored that he let me photograph him in his environment. Toward the end of the afternoon, he was gracious to give me a ride in his 1930 Ford Model A. There was a brief moment, before we left where he paused as if reflecting on life - happy. A grin came across his face as he looked in his rear-view mirror. A moment later, he looked up and was ready to drive down the highway.
Moments like this are fleeting, as is life. We should pause and be thankful for the experiences we've had. They are brief and fleeting - let's enjoy them.

Paul V. in his 1930 Ford Model A.
Madison County, Arkansas.
Photo # K03_3648bw.

"High Noon"...

Small towns are a treat, especially those with town squares. They all have a story to tell. Small towns often preserve history much better than others.  This building captivated my attention. The double doors, bell, the single light fixed high. I suspect it could tell many stories.
I hope some of you enjoy these photos as I hope to preserve these before they are lost.  I hope to tell the story of this building someday.

Kingston, Arkansas.
Photo # IM6_8901-6pbw.
(c) Kelly Shipp

The Art of Instruments...

 "The Art of Instruments"

Here's another from my series of Paul V. from Madison County. Paul is an incredibly talented, yet humble, maker of many things. One of his many talents is making string instruments. In the foreground of this photograph, you can see a result of his woodworking mastery. Surrounding it, you'll easily find many tools, parts, feed sacks, random books, sanders, drills and other miscellaneous. He is certainly in his element while in his workshop. He enjoys his craftmanship and it shows in his results.
Comments welcome.

Madison County, Arkansas.
Photo # IM6_8931as.
(c) Kelly Shipp

"A Message of Longevity"...

Here's another from my recent series of "Paul V", from Madison County, Arkansas.
Paul takes great care of his 1930 Ford Model A. I wanted to capture a frame that tells a story of time and place. Most of what you see in this photograph is quickly disappearing: the simplicity of how the early trucks were built, how well homes were constructed to last, and the longevity of Oak trees.  What you don't see clearly in the photograph, is off to the right, in the background. Trees cut for coal. There's much to say in this photograph, which is why I was compelled to compose this. We need to take care of what we have. It is disappearing.

Madison County, Arkansas.
Photo # K03_3657bw.
(c) Kelly Shipp

"Craftsman Cave"...

You may remember my past photos of Paul V. from Madison County, Arkansas. I recently spent time with him and produced more photos of his work and talents.
Some men have a "man cave", but Paul has a 'craftsman cave'.  You won't find any HD TV's nor couches, instead you'll see a workshop of projects, tools, and parts. The tools and machines are a mix of those he has made himself, and others vintage yet still working. In this photograph, you'll see some projects in-progress including hand-made string instruments on the table. On the far right, you'll see a working lathe machine. This is just one corner of his many wood-working talents.

I respect and appreciate the time spent with Paul. He's very humble, yet he has so much broad and depth of knowledge in making things himself. More photos to come.

Madison County, Arkansas.
Photo # K03_3471c2.

"Husley Bend School"...

 

"Husley Bend School"

The Hulsey Bend School is a historic, one-room schoolhouse building in rural southeastern Independence County, Arkansas. It was built in 1898 and annexed with Oil Trough School in 1947.

I am concerned about the quality of care of this landmark. It is rapidly deteriorating.

Photo # IM5_8740abw.
(c) Kelly Shipp
 

"Tranquil"...

 "Tranquil"

Better than Nyquil.
Woolly Hollow State Park, Arkansas.
Photo # K03_2736bw3.